After incurring a 15-minute outrage cycle, Dianne Feinstein walked back comments reported by the Los Angeles Times. Indicating that she would vote to convict President Trump in the Senate impeachment trial, Feinstein said that the Los Angeles Times “misunderstood” what she said.
Her comments were reported as follows:
Still, she indicated that arguments in the trial about Trump’s character and fitness for office had left her undecided. “What changed my opinion as this went on,” she said, is a realization that “impeachment isn’t about one offense. It’s really about the character and ability and physical and mental fitness of the individual to serve the people, not themselves.”
Asked whether she would ultimately vote to acquit, she demurred, saying, “We’re not finished.”
Shame on her for keeping an open mind. At least the Democratic base put a stop to that.
But, based on the available polling, her first assertion, that it’s up to the people to decide, is actually the median opinion of the public.
Support for Trump’s impeachment and removal was once a plurality proposition. Since the conclusion of House impeachment proceedings, public opinion has narrowed. Quinnipiac found in its latest poll that 48% oppose Trump’s removal from office, and 47% support it. Meanwhile, a clear majority of voters disapprove of Trump’s actions, with 53% charging him with dishonesty and 54% charging him with abuse of power.
Of those opposing his removal from office, just 77% say Trump did nothing wrong. This speaks to the attitude of the voters in the middle. The majority of the country does think Trump did something wrong and doesn’t want him thrown out of office. An easy solution in the year 2020: Hold a vote on whether he gets to continue as president.
Is this a logical or constitutionally backed assertion? Not really. But it’s the reality of the politics of the situation. The political bubble would be wise to pay attention to it.
